NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences (reviews)

Overall, I am content with what I was able to achieve as a result of my studies. However, I would say the quality of my programme “Creative Business” could make use of some changes. For instance, having a more detailed support system regarding job applications or internship applications. Including CV examples, feedback and also mock interviews. More events should have been happening, more networking opportunities and more fun activities. The low range of university societies was also very underwhelming and the extracurricular activities which you could get yourself involved in were limited.

This University and the program Creative Business is perfect for your development of skills in the digital media department. Additionally this university provides great help by supervisors and professors to maximise your professionalism.

Currently, in my 3rd and last year at BUAS as a Creative Business student, I would say I am content with what I have learned as it has given me the opportunity to be a part of the fastest-growing media company in Europe. The knowledge I have gathered in the time period of 3 years has put me alongside true professionals and has made me realise how much this programme has taught me about the industry and the business side of things which is exactly what puts me one step above people who have only focused on the creative part.

The programme itself didn’t match expectations. First, the “international” programme is mostly only showed in its name and that the programme is taught in English. There are even small assignments where information is literally given in Dutch. For example, one of a company visit and we had to do a small assignment right after where you get a pass or fail. The whole presentation done at the company was in Dutch. Although, no major assignment has ever been given information in Dutch. In certain project groups, you also find some students who liked to speak Dutch or tend to speak Dutch. As a last year student trying to find graduation placement and looking for starting position job in the Netherlands I found it extremely hard not knowing Dutch. This is purely based on my experience. The position related to these fields of study whether for graduation or starting position requires you to know Dutch and English both written and spoken. Even for international English spoken language. Do keep in mind also this is a period during pandemic. This may have affected it too for the company hiring fewer people.

I still don’t know why they have “real estate” in the programme name. There are other universities offering (International) Facility Management study but BUAS is the only one with emphasis on real estate in its bachelor name. The school definitely introduce the concept of real estate in facility management perfectly, which they meant workplace. This is mostly taught in the 1st year. Most of the programme focus is on sustainability and catering, hospitality aka Hotelmanagement (which is taught side by side along with their facility management study which a few courses exception). Unless you yourself are actively choosing topics related to workplace/real estate this concept won’t even come up in your major project assignment. However, I do believe they are trying to take a chance at that. For the last few years they have been rearranging the main project assignment before the thesis.

What I liked about the programme is that it’s taught in small groups with great connection to the teachers. The teachers are very knowledgeable and often wise with work experience in their respective fields. In recent years they have launched online learning besides their in-class interaction. With their online learning, they are hoping to have all students interaction meanwhile still keeping small scale group teaching methods.
The sustainable study was something I didn’t expect to have learned so much from. Although, I am grateful for learning that subject.

With these in consideration, I wouldn’t recommend the programme to a friend. I would suggest them to look into the partnered programme International Hotelmanagement and get a minor or one of those 1 year courses in facility management.